Exceptional Children's Week, recognized April 14-17, provides a valuable opportunity to celebrate every child's uniqueness. By promoting an environment of acceptance and support in our learning communities, GCPS ensures that each and every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to maximize their potential.

     While enriching opportunities for student engagement are happening across the district, equitable learning experiences are a top priority in Minor Elementary School’s Pre-K Deaf/Heard of Hearing (D/HH) Total Communication Class. Designed for language opportunities, staff supports communication in a variety of modalities: ASL (American Sign Language), sign-supported speech, Listening and Spoken Language (an approach to language development that teaches young children with hearing loss to listen and talk with the support of hearing technology such as hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or cochlear implants), Picture Communication, and Assistive Technology.

This classroom exists to give D/HH children access to a play-based curriculum and language opportunities like their same-aged peers. This Minor ES Pre-K Team is supported by two wonderful Speech Therapists and an Occupational Therapist who answer questions and are happy to collaborate throughout the year.

“We are lucky to have a Deaf adult in our classroom as a language model and a fabulous team who is willing to try anything,” says Leila Caughran, an Early Childhood Special Education, Deaf/Hard of Hearing teacher.

Oakland Meadow School, one of the district’s Special Entity schools that serves special education students across all clusters, provides research-based, innovative, and individualized learning opportunities for all students to acquire the knowledge and skills to be successful in life.

“At Oakland Meadow School, our exceptional students are the very reason our school exists,” says Principal Amy Lazic. “Every day, in each and every way, our entire school staff strives to meet the unique educational, social-emotional, and whole-child needs of our students. This is accomplished by simply meeting our students where they are via encouragement, expectations, and patience. We are committed to providing an exceptional day of learning to each and every student that we serve every day!”

Schools across the district are participating in Special Olympics activities and events during this week, and the community is invited to cheer on this year’s student-athletes and volunteers.

As we celebrate Exceptional Children's Week, GCPS remains committed to extending every student the support, resources, and encouragement they deserve to succeed. Students ages 3-21 are eligible for special education and related services within the district. To learn more about the district’s focus on meeting the special needs of individual students, please visit GCPS’ Department of Special Education and Psychological Services.